Abstract:

An electronic device which allows an entry of a character string has a
display which indicates an entered character, a toggle key adapted for
entering a plurality of assigned characters, a shift key adapted for
shifting a character entry position on the display, and a controller
which allows consecutive first to third operations. The controller is
adapted for entering one of the assigned characters at a first position
on the display as the first operation. The controller is adapted for
shifting the character entry position from the first position to a second
position on the display as the second operation. The controller is
adapted for displaying one of the assigned characters at the second
position on the display as the third operation. The controller is adapted
for allowing consecutive two of the first to third operations by means of
either one of the toggle key and the shift key.

Claims:

1. An electronic device which allows an entry of a character string,
comprising:a display which indicates an entered character;a toggle key
adapted for entering a plurality of assigned characters;a shift key
adapted for shifting a character entry position on the display, anda
controller which allows consecutive first to third operations, the
controller being adapted for entering one of the assigned characters on a
first position on the display as the first operation, the controller
being adapted for shifting the character entry position from the first
position to a second position on the display as the second operation, the
controller being adapted for indicating one of the assigned characters at
the second position on the display as the third operation, the controller
being adapted for allowing consecutive two of the first to third
operations by means of either one of the toggle key and the shift key.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, whereinthe controller is
adapted for entering one of the assigned characters on the first position
on the display by means of a toggle operation of the toggle key, andthe
controller is adapted for shifting the character entry position from the
first position to the second position on the display by means of a press
and hold operation of the toggle key.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, whereinthe controller is
further adapted for changing the character entered on the first position
on the display to another one of the assigned characters by means of the
press and hold operation of the toggle key.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, whereinthe controller is
further adapted for entering one of the assigned characters on the second
position on the display by means of a toggle operation of the toggle key
after shifting the character entry position.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, whereinthe controller is
further adapted for changing the character entered on the first position
on the display to another one of the assigned characters by means of the
press and hold operation of the toggle key, andthe controller is further
adapted for entering one of the assigned characters on the second
position on the display by means of a toggle operation of the toggle key
after shifting the character entry position.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, whereinthe controller is
further adapted for changing the character entered on the second position
on the display to another one of the assigned characters by means of the
press and hold operation of the toggle key.

7. The electronic device according to claim 2, whereinthe controller is
further adapted for changing the character entered on the first position
on the display to another one of the assigned characters by means of the
press and hold operation of the toggle key, andthe controller is further
adapted for changing the character entered on the second position on the
display to another one of the assigned characters by means of the press
and hold operation of the toggle key.

8. The electronic device according to claim 2 further comprising a timer
for measuring a period of time for which the toggle key keeps being
pressed and held, whereinthe controller is further adapted for changing
the character entered on the second position on the display to one of the
assigned characters in turn in accordance with a period of time measured
by the timer for which the toggle key keeps being pressed and held.

9. The electronic device according to claim 2 further comprising a timer
for measuring a period of time for which the toggle key keeps being
pressed and held, whereinthe controller is further adapted for changing
the character entered on the first position on the display to another one
of the assigned characters by means of the press and hold operation of
the toggle key, andthe controller is further adapted for changing the
character entered on the second position on the display to one of the
assigned characters in turn in accordance with a period of time measured
by the timer for which the toggle key keeps being pressed and held.

10. The electronic device according to claim 2 further comprising a timer
for measuring a period of time for which the toggle key keeps being
pressed and held, whereinthe controller is further adapted for changing
the character entered on the second position on the display to one of the
assigned characters chosen in accordance with a period of time measured
by the timer for which the toggle key keeps being pressed and held.

11. The electronic device according to claim 2 further comprising a timer
for measuring a period of time for which the toggle key keeps being
pressed and held, whereinthe controller is further adapted for changing
the character entered on the first position on the display to another one
of the assigned characters by means of the press and hold operation of
the toggle key, andthe controller is further adapted for changing the
character entered on the second position on the display to one of the
assigned characters chosen in accordance with a period of time measured
by the timer for which the toggle key keeps being pressed and held.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, whereinthe controller is
adapted for shifting the character entry position from the first position
to the second position on the display and indicating one of the assigned
characters at the second position on the display upon the shift key being
pressed.

13. A program of an electronic device for entering a character,
comprising:a process for entering one of a plurality of characters
assigned to a toggle key of the electronic device on a first position on
a display of the electronic device in accordance with how many times the
toggle key is pressed as a first operation;a process for shifting a
character entry position from the first position to a second position on
the display upon a shift key of the electronic device being pressed as a
second operation;a process for indicating one of the assigned characters
at the second position on the display as a third operation; anda process
for allowing consecutive two of the first to third operations by means of
either one of the toggle key and the shift key.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority
from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-52611 filed on Mar.
5, 2009;

the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to an electronic device and a program
of the electronic device for entering a character, and in particular to
an electronic device having an input section provided with an input key
to which a plurality of characters are assigned.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]A recent trend of small-sized and high-performance electronic
devices is accompanied by spread of electronic devices having character
entry functions. A mobile phone, one of the electronic devices having
character entry functions, provides a character entry function to be used
for writing an email, Web browsing and so on.

[0006]As being formed into a small-sized one, a mobile phone is provided
with a limited number of operation keys to be used for entering
characters including an alphabet letter, a Japanese syllabary (hiragana
or katakana) letter and a symbol. To a numeric "2" key, e.g., a group of
three alphabet letters "A", "B" and "C" and their lowercases is assigned.

[0007]Then, as the "2" key is repeatedly pressed, the three characters are
alternately displayed and a desired one of them can be chosen for being
entered. As a numeric "3" key is repeatedly pressed, another group of
three characters "D", "E" and "F" and their lowercases are alternately
displayed and a desired one of them can be chosen for being entered. A
group of Japanese syllabary letters pronounced as "ka", "ki", "ku", "ke"
and "ko" is also assigned to the "2" key. If entered and displayed
characters change over to the Japanese syllabary letters, the "2" key can
similarly be used for entering these characters. Which of the characters
of such groups is entered is determined by how many times the operation
key is repeatedly pressed.

[0008]Further, as chances for entering characters by using a mobile phone
increase, mobile phones having dictionary functions of predictable words,
Chinese (kanji) characters and often entered phrases, and having word
prediction or character string conversion functions come into wide use. A
mobile phone having a word prediction function searches a dictionary in
accordance with a series of entered characters for a related word, a
kanji character or a character string, and displays it as a conversion
candidate in a separate area from the series of entered characters. A
desired word, a Chinese character or a character string can be chosen
from conversion candidates so that a sentence including the chosen word,
Chinese character or symbol can be entered.

[0009]As mobile phones having such word prediction functions come into
wide use, various technologies relating to entering characters are being
developed. One example is a mobile phone provided with a right shift key
as well as numeric keys. A technology for changing a character entry
position of by using a right shift key was developed, as disclosed in
Japanese Patent Publication of Unexamined Application (Kokai), No.
H10-13523. Then, consider an operation for entering characters belonging
to a same character group by using a technology of JP-A-H10-13523 for
entering characters. For consecutively entering characters belonging to a
same character group by using the technology of JP-A-H10-13523 for
entering characters, it is necessary to operate a particular numeric key
and the right shift key back and forth.

[0010]For consecutively entering two alphabet letters "B" and "C", e.g.,
press first the numeric "2" key to which the group of "A", "B" and "C" is
assigned twice so as to enter "B". Then, press the right shift key so as
to shift the character entry position to the right side of the letter
"B". Then, press the "2" key three times so as to enter the letter "C" as
a second letter. As positions of the numeric key and the right shift key
are usually separate from each other, such a method for entering
characters causes poor operability and may possibly cause a problem of
pressing a wrong key.

[0011]Another related art for easily shifting a character entry position
is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication of Unexamined Application
(Kokai), No. 2002-207554. According to JP-A-2002-207554, if key
operations are repeated several times, an interval between the key
operations is detected. If the interval is longer than a certain period
of time, shift the character entry position to the right by one character
so as to enter a character corresponding to the operated key to the
character entry position after being shifted.

[0012]According to JP-A-H10-13523, in a case where characters belonging to
a same group are consecutively entered (e.g., consecutively enter "b" and
"a"), it is necessary to press the right shift key or a select key after
entering the first character by using the operation key to which the
first character is assigned, and to press again the same operation key
necessary times so as to enter the second character. Thus, the increased
number of repeated key operations not only causes poor operability but
may possibly cause a wrong operation. According to the character entry
technology disclosed in JP-A-2002-207554, then, as a delayed key
operation results in the character entry position shifting at undesired
timing, an inexperienced operator may possibly take time for entering a
desired character.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013]Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an
electronic device configured to be used for entering a character with a
small number of key operations, and to provide a program of the
electronic device for entering a character.

[0014]To achieve the above advantage, one aspect of the present invention
is that an electronic device which allows an entry of a character string
has a display which indicates an entered character, a toggle key adapted
for entering a plurality of assigned characters, a shift key adapted for
shifting a character entry position on the display, and a controller
which allows consecutive first to third operations. The controller is
adapted for entering one of the assigned characters at a first position
on the display as the first operation. The controller is adapted for
shifting the character entry position from the first position to a second
position on the display as the second operation. The controller is
adapted for displaying one of the assigned characters at the second
position on the display as the third operation. The controller is adapted
for allowing consecutive two of the first to third operations by means of
either one of the toggle key and the shift key.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIGS. 1A and 1B show a configuration of a flip-type mobile phone in
an open state which is an example of a mobile communication device of an
embodiment of the present invention in front and side external views.

[0016]FIGS. 2A and 2B show a configuration of the flip-type mobile phone
in a closed state which is an example of the mobile communication device
of the embodiment of the present invention in front and side external
views.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the
mobile communication device of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of a first
embodiment of the present invention for shifting a character entry
position by means of a press and hold operation of a numeric key.

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a screen transition on a main display of the first
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character string "B"
and "C" in the process for shifting the character entry position by means
of a press and hold operation of a numeric key.

[0020]FIG. 6 shows a screen transition on the main display of the first
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character string "B",
a space and "A" in the process for shifting the character entry position
by means of a press and hold operation of a numeric key.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of a second
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character by means of
a press and hold operation of a numeric key.

[0022]FIG. 8 shows a screen transition on the main display of the second
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character string "B"
and "C" in the process for entering a character by means of a press and
hold operation of a numeric key.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of a third
embodiment of the present invention for changing a character by means of
a press and hold operation of a numeric key.

[0024]FIG. 10 shows a screen transition on the main display of the third
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character string "B"
and "C" in the process for changing a character by means of a press and
hold operation of a numeric key.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of a fourth
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character by pressing
a right shift key.

[0026]FIG. 12 shows a screen transition on the main display of the fourth
embodiment of the present invention for entering a character string "B"
and "C" in the process for entering a character by pressing the right
shift key.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]Embodiments of the present invention will be explained with
reference to the drawings, hereafter.

[0028](Configuration of a Mobile Phone)

[0029]FIGS. 1A and 1B show a configuration of a flip-type mobile phone 1,
an example of an electronic device of the present invention, in external
views. FIG. 1A shows the configuration in an open state where the mobile
phone 1 is open to 180 degrees in an external front view. FIG. 1B shows
the configuration in the open state in an external side view. FIGS. 2A
and 2B show the configuration of the flip-type mobile phone 1, an example
of the electronic device of the present invention, in a closed state in
external views. FIG. 2A shows the configuration in the closed state in an
external front view. FIG. 1B shows the configuration in the closed state
in an external side view. Further, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an
internal configuration of the mobile phone 1 of the embodiment.

[0030]As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mobile phone 1 is constituted by a
first housing section 2 and a second housing section 3 connected to each
other through a hinge section 6 provided in the middle of the housing
sections 2 and 3. The mobile phone 1 is configured such that the first
housing section 2 flips around the hinge section 6 with respect to the
second housing section 3 as indicated by an arrow "X". The mobile phone 1
is provided with a built-in antenna for transmitting and receiving radio
waves at a certain position within one of the housing sections 2 and 3.
The mobile phone 1 transmits and receives radio waves to and from a base
station through the built-in antenna. The radio waves transmitted and
received by the mobile phone 1 are modulated for carrying a data signal
for data communication such as sending and receiving emails and a voice
signal for voice communication for which a microphone 7 and a speaker 8
described later are used. As data and voice communication by way of
wireless communication is widely known, its explanation is omitted.

[0031]The first housing section 2 is provided on a face of it with
operation keys 4 constituted by numeric keys 20 from "0" to "9", a call
key 21, an answer key 22 and a 4-way navigation key 23 to be used for
shifting a character entry position up, down, left and right. Further,
the mobile phone 1 is provided on a side of it with side keys 5
constituted by a manner mode key and a menu key. Incidentally, the 4-way
navigation key 23 includes four shift keys and one of them on the right
side is a right shift key described later. A user of the mobile phone 1
enters various instructions or data into the mobile phone 1 by using the
operation keys 4 or the side keys 5.

[0032]Further, the first housing section 2 is provided with a microphone 7
on a lower side than the operation keys 4, and the microphone 7 collects
voice of a user during a voice communication session. Further, the second
housing section 3 is provided with a speaker 8 on an upper side than a
main display 10 which will be described later, and the speaker 8 produces
voice of someone who is calling or called during a voice communication
session. The first housing section 2 is provided with a battery on a back
of it. If an end key is pressed and held and thus the mobile phone 1 is
turned on, the battery 9 supplies each of portions of the mobile phone 1
described later with power through a power supply circuit 34.

[0033]The second housing section 3 is provided with the main display 10 on
a front face, and the main display 10 displays a setup screen, an email,
a Website or an entered character. Incidentally, the main display 10 is
formed, e.g., by an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL
(electroluminescent) display. The second housing section 3 is provided on
a back with a sub-display 11 formed, e.g., by an LCD. The sub-display 11
displays, e.g., a signal strength indicator indicating strength of a
radio wave that the mobile phone 1 is receiving, a battery indicator
indicating remaining battery power or present time. Further, the side
keys 5 provided to the second housing section 3 is positioned such as to
be operated even if the mobile phone 1 is in the closed state.

[0034]The first housing section 2 is provided with a controller 31 at an
internal position that is not shown. The controller 31 is constituted by
electronic circuits such as a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read
only memory) and a RAM (random access memory). The CPU performs a process
in accordance with a program stored in the ROM or various application
programs loaded onto the RAM. Further, the CPU processes a signal
provided from each of circuit sections described above, and produces
various control signals so as to provide each of the circuit sections for
controlling the mobile phone 1 with the control signals. The CPU
exercises supervisory control over the mobile phone 1 by means of these
processes. Further, data necessary for the CPU to perform various
processes are stored in the RAM. The controller 31 further has a video
RAM in which data relating to an image to be displayed on the main
display 10 is stored. A memory section 32 is constituted, e.g., by a
flash memory element that is an electrically rewritable or erasable
non-volatile memory or an HDD (hard disk drive). If one of the operation
keys 4 is pressed and held, a timer 39 detects a period of time for which
the key keeps being pressed and held (press and hold time) and notifies
the controller 31 of the detected press and hold time.

[0035]Various application programs to be run by the CPU of the controller
31 and a group of data are stored in the memory section 32. Further, data
of a character group corresponding to each of the numeric keys 20 is
stored in the memory section 32. For instance, three alphabet letters
"A", "B", "C" and their lowercases are assigned to the numeric key "2"
and stored in the memory section 32. Five Japanese syllabary letters
including a consonant "k" are assigned to the numeric "2" key as well,
form a character group with the three alphabet letters so that the
character group is stored in the memory section 32. Other alphabet
letters and Japanese syllabary letters are severally assigned to other
respective numeric keys "3" to "9" similarly as to the numeric "2" key,
and some symbols are assigned to the numeric "0" and "1" keys, so that a
user distinguishes and presses each of the numeric keys so as to enter a
desired letter or symbol.

[0036]Incidentally, if a letter "A" is indicated at the character entry
position in a character entry process described later, the numeric "2"
key is pressed once so that a letter "B" is read out. Similarly, the
numeric "2" key is pressed twice so that a letter "C" is read out. If, in
such a way, a character entry operation is performed for a character
group assigned to each of the numeric keys in accordance with a certain
rule, the controller 31 performs a process for reading out a character
corresponding to the input operation from the memory section 32. In the
memory section 32, each of characters to be entered is stored at a
location addressed in accordance with the corresponding numeric key and
how many times the numeric key is pressed. Further, so called dictionary
data to be used for converting a character string entered through the
operation keys 4 and the side keys 5 into a predictable word is stored in
the memory section 32. Words or Chinese (kanji) character strings
corresponding to entered character strings, symbol strings, history data
of used character strings and so on are stored in the dictionary data.

[0037]A character string entered by means of the character entry process
described later is compared with the dictionary data stored in the memory
section 32 so as to be converted into a word, a kanji character string or
a symbol string in the dictionary data. If, e.g., alphabet letters "e"
and "a" are indicated on the screen in this order, candidate converted
words are displayed in a lower portion of the screen. To put it
concretely, e.g., candidate converted words "each", "eagle", "east",
"eat" and so on are displayed as words in the dictionary data related to
the letter string "e" and "a". If, e.g., a lower soft key is pressed
three times so as to choose "eagle", a certain select key or another
numeric key to which another character group is assigned is pressed so
that "eagle" is entered and a next character entry operation can be
started. A technology for converting a character string into a
predictable word, a kanji character string or a symbol string is known,
and its explanation is omitted.

First Embodiment

[0038]According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a numeric
key is pressed and held so that a character is entered and a character
entry position is shifted. According to the first embodiment, characters
belonging to a same character group can be consecutively entered by means
of simple operation of the numeric keys only. Incidentally, to press and
hold a numeric key means an operation of keeping pressing the numeric key
for a longer period of time than a certain time length (e.g., half a
second).

[0039]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for shifting a character
entry position by means of a press and hold operation of a numeric key. A
process for entering a character string will be described below with
reference to FIG. 4.

[0040]First, upon starting a character entry process (step 101), the
controller 31 accepts an operation of a numeric key or a right shift key
(step 102, step 103). Upon accepting an operation of the right shift key
("YES" of step 103), the controller 31 shifts the character entry
position one character ahead (step 104) and then ends the process (step
111).

[0041]Meanwhile, upon accepting an operation of a numeric key ("YES" of
step 102), the controller 31 identifies whether or not a character is
already entered on the present character entry position (step 105). Upon
identifying no character entered on the character entry position ("NO" of
step 105), the controller 31 enters a character assigned to the
operation-accepted numeric key on the character entry position (step
109).

[0042]If the operation-accepted numeric key is the "2" key, e.g., the
alphabet letter "A" assigned to the "2" key is entered on the character
entry position. Upon identifying a character already entered on the
character entry position ("YES" of step 105), the controller 31
identifies whether or not the already entered character is included in
the character group of the operation-accepted numeric key (step 106).

[0043]Assume, e.g., that the character already entered on the character
entry position is "D", and that the operation-accepted numeric key is the
"2" key. If the characters assigned to the "2" key are three alphabet
letters "A", "B", "C" and their lowercases as described above, the
character "D" is identified as not being included in the above character
group. Upon identifying in this way the character already entered on the
character entry position as not being included in the character group
assigned to the operation-accepted numeric key ("NO" of step 106), the
controller 31 shifts the character entry position one character ahead
(step 108). Further, the controller 31 enters a character assigned to the
operation-accepted numeric key on the character entry position after
being shifted (step 109).

[0044]Meanwhile, assume, e.g., that the character already entered on the
character entry position is a letter "B", and that the operation-accepted
numeric key is the "2" key. In this case, the letter "B" is identified as
being included in the character group assigned to the "2" key. Upon
identifying in this way the character already entered on the character
entry position as being included in the character group assigned to the
operation-accepted numeric key ("YES" of step 106), the controller 31
reads out another certain character included in the above character
group. The controller 31 changes the character already entered on the
character entry position to the character that has been read out.

[0045]Assume, e.g., that the character already entered on the character
entry position is "B", and that the operation-accepted numeric key is the
"2" key. The controller 31 then reads out the letter "C" that is next to
"B" in the three alphabet letters assigned to the "2" key. The controller
31 changes the letter "B" already entered on the character entry position
to the letter "C" read out from the memory section 32.

[0046]After changing the character, the controller 31 identifies whether
or not the operation-accepted numeric key is pressed and held (step 110).
Upon identifying the pressed key as not being held ("NO" of step 110),
the controller 31 ends the process (step 111). Upon identifying the
pressed key as being held ("YES" of step 110), the controller 31 enters
the character, shifts the character entry position to a next character
entry position and ends the process (step 111).

[0047]FIG. 5 shows a transition between screens on which the character
entry process shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. A screen transition flow in a
case where the letters "B" and "C" are entered will be described with
reference to FIG. 5.

[0048]According to the character entry process shown in FIG. 4, e.g., in
order to enter a letter string "B" and "C", press first the numeric "2"
key to which the letter group "A" to "C" is assigned once, so that a
letter "A" is indicated on the screen (refer to a screen 1001 shown in
FIG. 5). Then, press and hold the "2" key. Upon detecting the "2" key as
being pressed and held for a longer period of time than a certain time
length (e.g., half a second), the controller 31 changes the letter "A"
indicated on the screen to a letter "B", enters the letter "B" and shifts
the character entry position to a position next to the letter "B". The
character entry position is indicated on the screen at the position next
to the letter "B" after being shifted (refer to a screen 1002 shown in
FIG. 5). Then, press the "2" key three times so that a letter "C" is
indicated at a position next to the letter "B" (refer to a screen 1003
shown in FIG. 5).

[0049]Then, a process for entering a character string including a space in
accordance with the character entry process shown in FIG. 4 will be
described. FIG. 6 shows a transition between screens in a case where a
character string "B", a space and "C" is entered.

[0050]In order to enter a character string, "B", a space and "C", press
first the numeric "2" key to which the letter group "A" to "C" is
assigned, so that a letter "A" is indicated on the screen (refer to a
screen 2001 shown in FIG. 6). Then, press and hold the "2" key. Upon
detecting the "2" key as being pressed and held for a longer period of
time than a certain time length (e.g., half a second), the controller
changes the letter "A" indicated on the screen to a letter "B", enters
the letter "B" and shifts the character entry position to a position next
to the letter "B". The character entry position is indicated on the
screen at the position next to the letter "B" after being shifted (refer
to a screen 2002 shown in FIG. 6). Then, press the right shift key so as
to shift rightwards and indicate the character entry position one more
character ahead (refer to a screen 2003 shown in FIG. 6). Then, press the
"2" key once so that a letter "A" is indicated as a third character
(refer to a screen 2004 shown in FIG. 6).

[0051]According to the process of the first embodiment described above,
even in a case where characters belonging to a same character group are
consecutively entered, a simple press and hold operation is used so that
an entered character can be changed and a character entry position can be
shifted.

Second Embodiment

[0052]According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a numeric
key is pressed and held so that a character is entered, a character entry
position is shifted to a next position, and a certain character (e.g.,
the front one) of a character group assigned to the pressed and held
numeric key is read out from the memory section 32 and entered on the
character entry position that has been shifted. According to the second
embodiment, characters belonging to a same character group can be
consecutively entered by means of a simple operation of a same numeric
key.

[0053]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for pressing and holding a
numeric key so as to shift a character entry position, and further
entering a character. A flow of a character entry process will be
described below with reference to FIG. 7. Incidentally, as processes of
steps 201-209 in the character entry process shown in FIG. 7 are same as
the processes of the steps 101-109 in the character entry process shown
in FIG. 4, their explanations are omitted. A later portion of the flow
followed after the step 206 branches off to "YES" will be explained
below.

[0054]The controller 31 identifies whether or not a character entered on
the character entry position is included in a character group of an
operation-accepted numeric key (step 206). Assume, e.g., that the
character already entered on the character entry position is a letter
"B", and that the operation-accepted numeric key is the "2" key. In this
case, the letter "B" is identified as included in the character group
assigned to the "2" key.

[0055]Upon identifying in this way the character already entered on the
character entry position as being included in the character group
assigned to the operation-accepted numeric key ("YES" of step 206), the
controller 31 reads out another certain character included in the
character group from the memory section 32. The controller 31 changes the
character already entered on the character entry position to the read-out
character (step 207).

[0056]Assume, e.g., that the character already entered on the character
entry position is a letter "B", and that the operation-accepted numeric
key is the "2" key. In this case, e.g., the controller 31 reads out the
letter "C" that is next to "B" in the three alphabet letters assigned to
the "2" key. The controller 31 changes the letter "B" already entered on
the character entry position to the letter "C" read out from the memory
section 32.

[0057]After changing the character, the controller 31 identifies whether
or not the operation-accepted numeric key is pressed and held (step 210).
Upon identifying the pressed key as not being held ("NO" of step 210),
the controller 31 ends the process (step 213). Meanwhile, upon
identifying the pressed key as being held ("YES" of step 210), the
controller 31 enters the character and shifts the character entry
position to a next position (step 211). Then, the controller 31 enters
the character assigned to the numeric key that was pressed and held (step
S212), and ends the process (step S213). If the operation-accepted
numeric key is the "2" key, the controller 31 enters a letter "A"
assigned to the "2" key,

[0058]FIG. 8 shows a transition between screens on which the character
entry process that uses a press and hold operation of a numeric key is
displayed. A screen transition flow in a case where the letters "B" and
"C" are entered will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0059]First, press the numeric "2" key, e.g., to which the letter group
"A" to "C" is assigned once, so that a letter "A" is indicated on the
screen (refer to a screen 3001 shown in FIG. 8). Then, press and hold the
"2" key. Upon detecting the "2" key as being pressed and held for a
longer period of time than a certain time length (e.g., half a second),
the controller 31 changes the letter "A" indicated on the screen to a
letter "B", enters the letter "B" and then indicates another letter "A"
at the next character entry position on the screen (refer to a screen
3002 shown in FIG. 8). Further, press the "2" key twice so as to indicate
a letter string "B" and "C" (refer to a screen 3003 shown in FIG. 8).

[0060]According to the process of the second embodiment described above,
even in a case where characters belonging to a same character group are
consecutively entered, an entered character can be changed, a character
entry position can be shifted and a character can be entered on the
character entry position after being shifted only by means of a simple
press and hold operation using the same key as used for entering the
character.

Third Embodiment

[0061]According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a numeric
key is pressed and held so that a character is entered, a character entry
position is shifted to a next position, and a certain character of a
character group assigned to the pressed and held numeric key is read out
from the memory section 32 and entered on the character entry position
that has been shifted. Further, the entered character changes every
certain period of time (e.g., half a second) that passes while a pressed
numeric key keeps being held. According to the third embodiment, how many
times a key is pressed for consecutively entering characters belonging to
a same character group can be reduced.

[0062]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process, upon a numeric key being
pressed and held, for changing a character entered on the character entry
position, shifting the character entry position to a next position and
further changing the entered character depending on a press and hold time
length of the numeric key. A flow of a character entry process will be
described below with reference to FIG. 9. Incidentally, as processes of
steps 301-309 in the character entry process shown in FIG. 9 are same as
the processes of the steps 101-109 in the character entry process shown
in FIG. 4, their explanations are omitted. A later portion of the flow
followed after the step 306 branches off to "YES" will be explained
below.

[0063]The controller 31 identifies whether or not a character entered on
the character entry position is included in a character group of an
operation-accepted numeric key (step 306). Assume, e.g., that the
character already entered on the character entry position is a letter
"B", and that the operation-accepted numeric key is the "2" key. In this
case, the letter "B" is identified as included in the character group
assigned to the "2" key. Upon identifying in this way the character
already entered on the character entry position as being included in the
character group assigned to the operation-accepted numeric key ("YES" of
step 306), the controller 31 reads out another certain character included
in the character group from the memory section 32. The controller 31
changes the character already entered on the character entry position to
the read-out character (step 307).

[0064]Assume, e.g., that the character already entered on the character
entry position is a letter "B", and that the operation-accepted numeric
key is the "2" key. The controller 31 reads out the letter "C" that is
next to "B" in the three alphabet letters assigned to the "2" key. The
controller 31 changes the letter "B" already entered on the character
entry position to the letter "C" read out from the memory section 32.

[0065]After changing the character, the controller 31 identifies whether
or not the operation-accepted numeric key is pressed and held (step 310).
Upon identifying the pressed key as not being pressed and held ("NO" of
step 310), the controller 31 ends the process (step 315). Upon
identifying the pressed key as being pressed and held ("YES" of step
310), the controller 31 shifts the character entry position to a next
position (step 311). Then, the controller 31 enters the character
assigned to the pressed and held numeric key (step S312).

[0066]If the operation-accepted numeric key is the "2" key, e.g., the
alphabet letter "A" assigned to the "2" key is entered on the character
entry position. Then, the controller 31 recognizes a period of time for
which the numeric key keeps being pressed and held by using the timer 39
(step S313). Further, the controller 31 identifies whether or not the
numeric key keeps being pressed and held for a certain period of time
(e.g., half a second) (step S310). Upon identifying release of the
numeric key within the certain period of time ("NO" of step 310), the
controller 31 ends the process (step S315).

[0067]Meanwhile, upon identifying the numeric key as being pressed and
held longer than the certain period of time ("YES" of step 310), the
controller 31 enters a letter "A" at the step 312. Assume, on that
occasion, that the "2" key keeps being pressed and held. If that is the
case, among three alphabet letters assigned to the "2" key, the letter
"B" assigned next to the letter "A" is read out from the memory section
32. The controller 31 changes the letter "A" already entered on the
character entry position to the letter "B" read out from the memory
section 32 (step S314). Returning to the step 313 after the characters
are changed as described above, the controller 31 recognizes a period of
time for which the numeric key keeps being pressed and held by using the
timer 39. If the numeric key still keeps being pressed and held, the
controller 31 repeats the processes of the steps 313 and 314 for
repeatedly changing the character entered at the step S312.

[0068]FIG. 10 shows a transition between screens on which the character
entry process that uses a press and hold operation of a numeric key is
displayed. A screen transition flow in a case where the letters "B" and
"C" are entered will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0069]First, press the numeric "2" key, e.g., to which the letter group
"A" to "C" is assigned once, so that a letter "A" is indicated on the
screen (refer to a screen 4001 shown in FIG. 10). Then, press and hold
the "2" key. Upon detecting the "2" key as being pressed and held for a
longer period of time than a certain time length (e.g., half a second),
the controller 31 changes the letter "A" indicated on the screen to a
letter "B", enters the letter "B" and then shifts the character entry
position to a next position. Then, another letter "A" is indicated at the
next character entry position (refer to a screen 4002 shown in FIG. 10).
If the "2" key keeps being pressed and held in this state, the letter "A"
indicated at the next character entry position changes to "B", "C" and so
on to be indicated every certain period of time (e.g., every half a
second) (refer to screens 4003 and 4004 shown in FIG. 10).

[0070]According to the process of the third embodiment described above,
even in a case where characters belonging to a same character group are
consecutively entered, a character can be entered and the entered
character can be changed by means of a simple press and hold operation.
Further, an example was provided as to the third embodiment that an
entered character changes every certain period of time (e.g., half a
second). Assume, e.g., that the "2" key is pressed and held so that a
letter "A" is entered, and that the key further keeps being pressed and
held for one second after a change of the character begins. In this case,
the entered letter "A" changes to "B", and then to "C" and is entered. If
the period of time for which the key kept being pressed and held after
the change of the character begins is measured, and a character in the
character group is read out from the memory section 32 in accordance with
the measured period of time for which the key kept being pressed and
held, and the entered character is changed to the character that has been
read out, however, a similar effect of the present invention can be
obtained. In this case, assume that the "2" key is pressed and held so
that a letter "A" is entered, and that the key further keeps being
pressed and held for one second after a change of the character begins.
In this case, the letter "A" is entered first, and then a period of time
until the "2" key is released is measured by the timer 39. After the "2"
key is held for one second and then released, the timer 39 notifies the
controller 31 of the period of time for which the key has been held. The
controller 31 selects and reads out a letter "C" from the memory section
32 in accordance with data of the period of time for which the key has
been held and of the pressed key. Finally, the controller 31 changes the
entered letter "A" to the letter "C" that has been read out from the
memory section 32 and enters the letter "C".

Fourth Embodiment

[0071]According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as the
right shift key is pressed, a character put on the character entry
position is entered and the character entry position is shifted to a next
position. Further, a certain character included in a character group to
which the character just formerly entered belongs is read out from the
memory section 32 to the next character entry position. Then, the
read-out character is entered on the character entry position. According
to the fourth embodiment, as a character which belongs to a same
character group is entered by means of the right shift key, the number of
times of pressing a key can be reduced in comparison with an ordinary
method for entering a character and a character can be entered by means
of simple operation.

[0072]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for shifting the character
entry position and entering a character. A flow of a character entry
process will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. Incidentally,
as processes of steps 401-410 in the character entry process shown in
FIG. 11 are same as the processes of the steps 101-110 in the character
entry process shown in FIG. 4, their explanations are omitted. A portion
of the flow followed after the step 403 branches off to "YES" will be
explained below.

[0073]Upon accepting an operation of the right shift key ("YES" of step
403), the controller 31 identifies whether or not a character is already
entered on the present character entry position (step 411). Upon
identifying no character as being entered on the character entry position
("NO" of step 411), the controller shifts the character entry position
one character ahead (step 404), and ends the process (step 414).

[0074]Meanwhile, upon identifying a character as being entered on the
character entry position ("YES" of step 411), the controller shifts the
character entry position to a next position (step 412). Then, the
controller 31 recognizes to which character group the character just
formerly entered belongs, and further reads out a certain character of
the recognized character group from the memory section 32.

[0075]Assume, e.g., that the controller 31 accepts an operation of the
right shift key in a case where a letter "B" is entered on the character
entry position. The controller 31 shifts the character entry position to
a next position and recognizes the character group to which the letter
"B" just formerly entered belongs. In this case, it is recognized that
the letter "B" belongs to the character group formed by three letters
"A", "B", "C" and their lowercases assigned to the "2" key. The
controller 31 reads out, e.g., the front one "A" of the three letters
from the memory section 32. Upon reading out a certain character from the
memory section 32, the controller 31 enters the readout character on the
character entry position that has been shifted (step 413), and ends the
process (step 414).

[0076]FIG. 12 shows a transition between screens on which the character
entry process by means of the right shift key is displayed. A screen
transition flow in a case where the letters "B" and "C" are entered will
be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0077]In order to enter a letter string "B" and "C", press first the
numeric "2" key twice to which the letter group "A" to "C" is assigned,
so that a letter "B" is indicated on the screen (refer to a screen 5001
shown in FIG. 12). Then, press the right shift key so as to enter the
indicated letter "B", to shift the character entry position to a next
position and to indicate a letter "A" (refer to a screen 5002 shown in
FIG. 12). Further, press the "2" key twice to change the second letter
"A" so as to indicate a letter string "B" and "C" (refer to a screen 5003
shown in FIG. 12).

[0078]According to the process of the fourth embodiment described above,
in order that the characters belonging to a same character group are
consecutively entered, the right shift key is pressed so that a character
indicated on the screen is entered, that the character entry position is
shifted to a next position and that a next character is further
indicated. A workload for consecutively entering characters belonging to
a same character group can thereby be reduced so that characters can be
more simply entered and changed.

[0079]Incidentally, the above embodiments are explained in a case where a
plurality of alphabet characters are assigned to each of numeric keys.
Assume, e.g., that a first group of the Japanese syllabary letters are
assigned to the "1" key, a second group of the Japanese syllabary letters
are assigned to the "2" key and so on for entering text in Japanese, or
that a plurality of symbols is assigned to a numeric key for entering the
symbols. For entering text in Japanese, e.g., the first group of the
Japanese syllabary letters pronounced as "a", "i", "u", "e" and "o" and
the second group pronounced as "ka", "ki", "ku", "ke" and "ko" are
assigned to the "1" key and the "2" key, respectively, so that an effect
of the present invention can similarly be obtained.

[0080]Incidentally, the above embodiments are explained in a case where
the operation keys 4 exemplify a component for accepting an operation.
Other input devices such as a touch panel, however, can be used for
constituting the component for accepting an operation as well as
operation buttons to be pressed for input operation, so that an effect of
the present invention can similarly be obtained.

[0081]Incidentally, the above embodiments are explained in a case where a
mobile phone is taken as an example. The present invention is not limited
to the above, and can be applied to a wired communication terminal, a PDA
(personal digital assistant) or a small-sized data processing device
without a communication function. Further, the above embodiments are
explained taking a flip-type mobile phone as an example, and the present
invention can also be applied to a slide-type mobile phone or a
straight-type mobile phone without a moving mechanism. Further, the above
embodiments are explained taking the right shift key as an example to
which a role of shifting the character entry position is assigned, and
such a role can be assigned to various keys such as "*", "#" or menu keys
included in the operation keys 4 so that an effect of the present
invention can similarly be obtained.

[0082]The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and
can be implemented by including a modification of each of the portions
within the scope of the present invention. The invention may be variously
formed by properly combining a plurality of the portions disclosed as to
the above embodiments. Some of the portions may be removed from each of
the above embodiments.

[0083]The particular hardware or software implementation of the present
invention may be varied while still remaining within the scope of the
present invention. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.